The 2025 NFL season has officially wrapped, and while the Seattle Seahawks are still basking in the glow of their Super Bowl win, the rest of the league-including the New York Giants-has already shifted focus to 2026. With a clean slate and a new era underway in East Rutherford, the Giants find themselves in a familiar spot: trying to climb out of the league’s bottom third. But this time, there’s a different energy in the building-and it starts at the top.
Harbaugh Era Begins: A Culture Shift in the Making
The Giants made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason by hiring John Harbaugh. The longtime Ravens coach brings a reputation for physical football, no-nonsense leadership, and postseason pedigree. And make no mistake-this is now Harbaugh’s team.
He’s already laid down the law: if you don’t love football, you won’t be wearing blue next fall. That message isn’t just tough talk-it’s a clear signal that the days of complacency are over. Expect the Giants to get more physical on both sides of the ball, starting with the addition of a fullback and a renewed focus on building a defense from the back end forward.
Jaxson Dart: The Future Under Center
At the heart of the Giants’ optimism is second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart. After flashing potential in a turbulent rookie season, Dart now gets a full offseason to work with the coaching staff-and more importantly, with Harbaugh and newly hired offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.
If Dart takes the leap many expect, the Giants won’t just be more competitive-they could be one of the league’s surprise risers. Several power rankings have them hovering in the early 20s-ESPN at No.
25, Pro Football Network at No. 24, Sporting News at No. 21, and FOX Sports as high as No.
- That range reflects the uncertainty, but also the upside.
Offensive Overhaul: Stability and Playmakers Needed
While Dart is the centerpiece, the offense around him still needs work. Harbaugh and Nagy will be tasked with not just developing the young QB, but also finding him more weapons. The Giants need more dynamic playmakers-guys who can stretch the field, win one-on-one matchups, and take pressure off their quarterback.
Up front, the offensive line remains a work in progress. Adding another lineman is a must if the Giants want to keep Dart upright and unlock the full potential of their offense.
The goal this offseason? Build an identity that can control the line of scrimmage and move the chains consistently.
Defense: Strong Up Front, Unsettled in the Secondary
Defensively, the Giants have some legitimate talent-especially along the defensive line. That group was a bright spot in 2025, and it gives them a foundation to build on.
But the secondary? That’s a different story.
Heading into the offseason, the defensive backfield is a clear area of concern. Whether through the draft or free agency, the Giants will need to shore up the back end if they want to compete with the high-powered offenses in today’s NFL. Harbaugh’s track record suggests he’ll prioritize physical, smart defenders who can tackle and make plays on the ball.
The Outlook: Respectability Within Reach
This isn’t a total rebuild. There’s real talent on this roster-talent that’s underachieved in recent years.
But with Harbaugh at the helm and Dart entering Year 2, the Giants are positioned to take a step forward. The pieces are there for a turnaround, and while the national rankings reflect caution, there’s a growing sense that the Giants could become one of the league’s more intriguing teams in 2026.
If Dart delivers and the defense tightens up, don’t be surprised if the Giants make some noise. They’re not contenders yet, but for the first time in a while, they’re building toward something-and this time, it feels like there’s a real plan in place.